For decades, people have been seeking ways to have it all: time, money, family, fun, travel, and more. People are seeking life balance after years of working 10 hour days and spending their time commuting to jobs they are disenchanted with while there children are being raised by strangers. The answer to the dilemma of how to manage family obligations with personal interests and pursuits, all while producing an income that enables you to enjoy a life of luxury and freedom is to build and enjoy a profitable home-based business. The right home based business can be the platform for you to reach your dreams of financial independence and life balance.

While some people think of home based business as a way to produce a supplemental income, in reality, home based business has the potential to produce executive level incomes without the stress, headaches of traditional business, or high start-up fees that traditional businesses or franchises require. Operating a home-based business offers low start-up costs, the ability to be within your own environment, ultimate flexibility and no or low overhead. In addition, there are numerous tax incentives, no commute (except a few feet from your bedroom to your computer) and the personal fulfillment of knowing you are in control of your life and your destiny. You can run your business while you're enjoying time travelling or playing with your children at the playground. The concept of home-based business has appealed to many, providing millions of people the ability to create a life of their own design and enjoy a fulfilling life of financial freedom and personal balance.

In 2004, almost 7 million people were self-employed and working at home and that number is growing exponentially. With the instability in job security caused by the expanding global economy, people are finding that being self-sufficient and self-reliant is the only way to accomplish the level of financial security and freedom they desire. People are realizing there is more to life than punching a clock and are seeking a life that is fulfilling and rewarding. The advancement of technology has assisted in the growth of home-based businesses, enabling people to easily and cost effectively communicate globally. With VOIP and the advancements in high-speed internet and cellular telephone technology, people are able to connect across borders efficiently, making the world your marketplace. Businesses that are as complex as international trade can be easily be handled from your living room couch or with an iPhone as you're snowboarding down the slopes in Aspen.

Home based business opportunities range from clerical outsourcing, multi-level marketing businesses and specialized trade to lucrative direct sales opportunities. There's a great variety of legitimate opportunities that provide people with everything they require to establish and grow a successful and profitable business. Before starting a business, be sure to evaluate the following aspects to ensure the business model will meet your goals:

• Business model and structure.• Marketing system provided (if applicable)• Income potential and how you receive your income (check, direct from customers, from company, etc.)• Time required to produce the income• Flexibility in the business model• Flexibility in time and location• Products and demand for product• Stability of the marketplace (i.e.: real estate, medical, etc)• Ease of start-up, experience or know-how required• Availability of assistance and leadership• History of success with existing members, affiliates, etc.• Stability of the parent company• International viability• Cost of start-up• Cost of overhead

With a little due diligence, a desire to create your life by your design, a willingness to learn, and an entrepreneurial spirit, you can find the right opportunity for you and enjoy a lifestyle that is financially rewarding and fulfilling working from the comfort of your own home.

Shannon Lavenia has been recognized as an authority in home based business, internet marketing and direct sales. Currently a marketer in alliance with Liberty League International, she has produced million dollar results.